James E. Sibert

James Ernest "Jim" Sibert, 81, passed away peacefully at Kobacker House on December 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by family who loved him. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jim lived a life marked by intellect, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to his family and passions.

Jim was born on June 8, 1944, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Virginia to George Herbert “Herb” Sibert and Ada Belle Crone (Sibert, Beggs), he is survived by his wife, Kathie Sibert (Nedele, Millican); his children, Rick Sibert (Beth), Pamela Hooker (Barry), and son-in-law, Mark Mackinder; grandchildren, Hayley (Shane) Mickey, Hannah (Mitch) Cowgill, Sam Sibert, Kobe Hooker, Madelyn Hooker, Leland Hooker, and Fiona Mackinder; great-grandchildren, Addison Mickey, Ava Mickey, Adam Cowgill, Aubrey Cowgill, and Phoebe Hooker; sister, Helen Norton; brother, Tom Sibert; nephew, Neil Sibert; niece, Alix Norton and many others whose lives he touched deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb Sibert and Ada Beggs; stepfather, Bill Beggs; daughter, Lisa Mackinder; and brother-in-law, Dan Norton.

Jim, or “Ernie” to some friends, was raised on a dairy farm in Angola, Indiana. After his father passed away, our Gramma later remarried and the family relocated to Columbus, Ohio; Dad would later raise his family and remain in, central Ohio.

Easy going and fun loving, from a young age, Dad displayed a remarkable aptitude for athletics and academics. He grew to 6 feet 3 inches and was a natural athlete – a standout high school linebacker, a left-handed pitcher/first baseman, and a forward in basketball. He also ran track —once holding the second-best time in Indiana for the 440. Somehow he also found time to participate in high school plays!

After graduating from Eastmoor High School, Dad served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 as a Cryptologist. While stationed at Intelligence School in San Antonio, he formed a vocal quartet and sang lead on a four-song demo that received airplay on local radio stations—an early testament to his lifelong love of music.

Following his military service, Dad earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from The Ohio State University and later completed his MBA from Xavier University. His professional career spanned thirty years, with a majority of that time at Ross Laboratories (a division of Abbott Labs), where he rose to the position of Senior Vice President for Purchasing before retiring at the age of 55.

Dad’s retirement years were anything but quiet. A true modern-day Renaissance man, he immersed himself in a wide range of interests. He was an avid (club champion) golfer who played courses across the United States—including Pro-Am tournaments—and even teed off on historic courses in Scotland. He became a Corvette enthusiast in his fifties and enjoyed many road trips with his local Corvette club. A guitar player who later took up the banjo, Dad loved listening to Ricky Nelson, The Kingston Trio, The Beatles, Gerry Rafferty and Chris Isaak among many others. Most especially, he was passionate about Mark Knopfler’s music, both with Dire Straits and as a solo artist, and attended countless performances of his over the years—highlighted by a memorable concert at The Grand Ole Opry seated near Emmylou Harris.

Several years ago, he reconnected with Kathie, a high school friend from Indiana. They married quickly and enjoyed eight years together, filled with love, family and companionship, often visiting their hometown of Angola, together to see friends and family.

Dad’s intellectual curiosity never waned. He loved crossword puzzles, was well-read and regularly shared books with family members. He could converse on just about any subject. His love for sports extended beyond participation; he was a dedicated OSU fan—holding season tickets for both men's and women's basketball—and frequently attended OSU baseball games as well as local high school basketball, and football games. Although he grew up a Yankee fan, he was also a loyal supporter of the Cincinnati Reds.

Family was always at the center of Dad’s life. His legacy is one of steadfast presence. He never missed a grandchild’s game and often recorded them when others couldn’t attend. He was always there when needed: confident, disciplined and warm-hearted—a solid rock for his family through every chapter of life.

May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him with the strength of his character and the depth of his love.

A memorial service will be held at Living Hope Church, Pataskala, Ohio, January 10, 2026, 11AM.